Community iftar chance to build bridges

Members of Brandon’s Muslim community and residents from across the city gathered Monday evening at the Healthy Living Centre at Brandon University for a community iftar hosted by the Brandon Islamic Centre.

The event, which was attended by more than 400 people, marked the breaking of the daily fast during Ramadan and welcomed Premier Wab Kinew, Deputy Premier Uzoma Asagwara, Brandon East MLA Glen Simard and other dignitaries.

The evening combined prayer, reflection and a shared meal, as Muslims observing Ramadan broke their fast at sunset alongside guests from the wider community.

Fasting isn’t about just abstaining from food and water, Amna Farooq, a youth member of the community, told the Sun.

“It’s also abstaining from bad habits and behaviours,” she said in an interview.

“It’s about spiritually connecting to God, doing more good deeds and giving charity. Not eating is a way for us to feel how people who are unprivileged and don’t have food feel. It helps us understand what they’re going through.”

She said the community iftar is not only for Muslims but also an opportunity to build bridges.

“We’ve invited non-Muslims. Anyone from the community is welcome,” she said. “It’s a way for us to show the Brandon community who we are, to understand what Ramadan is, and to see that we’re all just alike. We’re all here in Brandon, and we should support each other.”

Brandon Islamic Centre president Amir Farooq echoed that message in his welcome address, calling Ramadan “a time of reflection, gratitude, generosity and community.”

“Muslims fast from dawn to sunset not only to strengthen our faith, but also to develop empathy for those who are less fortunate and to renew our commitment to helping others,” he said.

“Gatherings like this allow us to connect with one another, strengthen our community bonds and build understanding across cultures and backgrounds.”

Centre secretary Muhammad Abidullah told the Sun Muslims should strive for success and integration while contributing positively to society.

“We need to work together as one big community with integration into the bigger system,” he said.

“We need to be successful in whatever profession we are in and contribute to society. This is the way we can have a positive impact on the whole community.”

Kinew told attendees he had previously observed Ramadan while in Yemen and the United Arab Emirates.

“We’re one province. We’re all going to share one future together,” Kinew said. “I just want everyone to feel included. Whether you’re going to the hospital, the hockey rink, the school or the grocery store, we all call this place home.”

He acknowledged the contributions of Manitoba’s Islamic community in education, the economy, culture and charitable work, recalling the response of Islamic Relief volunteers during last summer’s wildfire evacuations.

“The very first people that I saw helping were from Islamic Relief,” he said.

Kinew talked about the provincial efforts to support the Muslim community, including security funding to address acts of hatred, anti-Islamophobia educational resources in schools and the decision to bring three children from Gaza to Manitoba for life-saving medical treatment.

“When there is a group of innocent people suffering, we as Manitobans step up,” he said. “Please keep advocating. Please keep bringing forward the perspectives from the Islamic community here in Manitoba, because your government is listening.”

As families, youth, and leaders shared a meal to end the day’s fast, the evening reflected a spirit of unity that organizers hope will extend beyond Ramadan.

“Despite our differences, we share many of the same values — kindness, respect and care for one another,” Amir Farooq said. “We hope you enjoy the evening.”

» aodutola@brandonsun.com

» X: @AbiolaOdutola